Provided is a compound having the structure: (SIG)-(SI-MOD).sub.m
where SIG is a signaling molecule, SI is a self-immolative structure bound to SIG such that SIG has a reduced signal relative to the signal of SIG without SI, MOD is a moiety bound to SI that is subject to modification by an activator, and m is an integer from 1 to about 10. When MOD is modified by an activator, SI is destabilized and self-cleaved from SIG such that SIG generates an increased signal. Also provided are methods of determining whether a sample, such as a cell, comprises an activator, such as a nitroreducase, using the compound. Further provided are methods of determining whether a mammalian cell is hypoxic using the compound where nitroreductase is the activator. A method of detecting a microorganism that comprises a nitroreductase using the compound where nitroreductase is the activator is also provided.

A method for assessing an effect of hypoxia on a tissue includes providing a sample of the tissue in a hermetically sealed container, determining a first amount of a reaction substrate (e.g., protocatechuic acid) to be introduced into the sealed container and determining a second amount of a reaction enzyme (e.g., protocatechuate dioxygenase) to be introduced into the sealed container. The method further includes introducing the reaction substrate and the reaction enzyme into the sealed container. At least one of the first amount of the reaction substrate and the second amount of the reaction enzyme is selected to induce at least one of a predetermined amount of hypoxia less than anoxia and a predetermined rate of hypoxia in the tissue during a reaction between the reaction substrate and the reaction enzyme. Values of properties of the tissue can be measured before and after the reaction to assess effects of hypoxia.

A method for assessing an effect of hypoxia on a tissue includes providing a sample of the tissue in a hermetically sealed container, determining a first amount of a reaction substrate (e.g., protocatechuic acid) to be introduced into the sealed container and determining a second amount of a reaction enzyme (e.g., protocatechuate dioxygenase) to be introduced into the sealed container. The method further includes introducing the reaction substrate and the reaction enzyme into the sealed container. At least one of the first amount of the reaction substrate and the second amount of the reaction enzyme is selected to induce at least one of a predetermined amount of hypoxia less than anoxia and a predetermined rate of hypoxia in the tissue during a reaction between the reaction substrate and the reaction enzyme. Values of properties of the tissue can be measured before and after the reaction to assess effects of hypoxia.

A variety of methods and systems for screening biocatalysts are disclosed, including, in one embodiment, a screening method for identifying engineered biocatalysts, including reacting an olefin with water in the presence of an engineered biocatalyst to produce at least a fatty alcohol having from 4 carbons to 24 carbons; reacting at least a portion of the fatty alcohol with oxygen in the present of a fatty alcohol oxidase to produce a fatty aldehyde and hydrogen peroxide, the fatty aldehyde having from 4 carbons to 24 carbons; and measuring activity of the engineered biocatalyst.

A composition for detecting an analyte in a blood sample includes: a coloring reagent; an oxidoreductase; and a refractive index adjuster.

A personal hygiene wipe with an integral urine glucose detection feature. The wipe includes a substrate that is adapted for impregnation with a composition having one or more drying, cleaning, odor control, or antibacterial properties. The wipe also is saturated with a chemical composition for detecting glucose in urine. When glucose is detected, the wipe turns to a different color.

A personal hygiene wipe with an integral urine glucose detection feature. The wipe includes a substrate that is adapted for impregnation with a composition having one or more drying, cleaning, odor control, or antibacterial properties. The wipe also is saturated with a chemical composition for detecting glucose in urine. When glucose is detected, the wipe turns to a different color.

A biosensor includes: a flow channel through which a liquid sample flows, the liquid sample containing a specific component; a holding sheet that is disposed in the flow channel and holds a substance corresponding to the specific component; and a first temperature sensor that is disposed to correspond to the holding sheet and detects a reaction heat generated by a contact reaction between the specific component and the corresponding substance. The biosensor acquires information on the specific component based on the reaction heat.

A biosensor includes: a flow channel through which a liquid sample flows, the liquid sample containing a specific component; a holding sheet that is disposed in the flow channel and holds a substance corresponding to the specific component; and a first temperature sensor that is disposed to correspond to the holding sheet and detects a reaction heat generated by a contact reaction between the specific component and the corresponding substance. The biosensor acquires information on the specific component based on the reaction heat.

The invention pertains to a functionalizable and enzyme-activatable fluorescent probe and methods for monitoring the activity of amine oxidases. Amine oxidases catalyze the oxidative deamination, e.g. of the ε-amine of a lysine to an aldehyde which in turn can form covalent bonds with neighboring side chains, e.g. in the context of collagen cross-linking. Amine oxidase activity can be correlated with collagen-associated diseases including pulmonary and hepatic fibrosis, cardiomyopathy and tumor metastasis.